Image courtesy of Sky Harbor International Airport

Taking a taxi to and from Phoenix' Sky Harbor International Airport is a popular transportation alternative for both visitors and residents. Any are taxi service can deliver you to any terminal at Sky Harbor, however only three companies are contracted to pick arriving passengers up at Sky Harbor. The companies that can pick travelers up at Sky Harbor are: AAA Cab, Allstate and Discount. Taxi terminals are located on the north curbside of Terminals 2 and 3 and on the Level 1 north curbside of Terminal 4.

The minimum fare is $15. Fare rates are the same regardless of the company, number of passengers and/or number of bags. The first mile is $5 and each additional mile is $2.10. Every hour spent stuck in traffic costs $21. A $1 surcharge is assessed per trip.

Actual fares are the amount shown on the meter at the time of the trip. To help assure travelers are not being overcharged, here are some estimated fares for popular destinations around the Valley. Fares to downtown Phoenix, Guadalupe, the Phoenix Zoo or Pagago Park are estimated to be between $15 and $19. Going to Arizona State University, Ahwatukee, Paradise Valley or Old Town Scottsdale will cost between $19 and $30. Fares run $30 - $42 for destinations in Chandler, Gilbert and Historic Glendale while going to Mesa, Peoria or Sun Lakes ups the total fare to between $42 and $56. Travelers whose final destinations are in El Mirage, Fort McDowell, Litchfield, Surprise or Youngtown, at the Deer Valley or Goodyear Airport or Luke Air Force Base will pay between $56 and $70. Fares to Apache Junction, Carefree, Cave Creek, Sun City or Queen Creek will be $71 or more and are the only airport taxi fees that can be negotiated.

Of course, taxis don't just go to the airport. They also ferry folks around town and make sure you get home or back to your hotel safely after a night of partying. Here is a list of some of the taxi services serving the Phoenix Metro Area:

Aguila Radio Taxi Co.
www.aguilastaxi.com
602-455-4500
24-hour Service available 365 days a year.
Since providing their first taxi ride in March 1999, Aguila Radio Taxi has grown into the Phoenix area's biggest Hispanic taxi company. They also provide limousine, executive cars and towing services.

Allstate Taxi (see VIP Taxi below)
602-275-8888

Atlas Cab and Limo Service
480-751-0017
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Serving the East Valley (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Fountain Hills and Maricopa).
Payment options: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and debit cards.

Discount Cab
www.discountcab.com
602-200-2000
Since 1984, these bright green cabs are frequently seen around town. Not surprising, since this is the largest taxi company in the Phoenix metro area. In addition to the airport contract, their safe ride home after a night of clubbing includes a FREE ride back to your vehicle the next morning! The green cab fleet is also going green by introducing Toyota Prius taxis beginning in the Spring of 2008.

Estrella Taxi
602-258-9090

Paul's Taxi
paulstaxi.com
602-684-4220
Offers 24 hour service. Serves the North Valley including North Phoenix, North Scottsdale, Anthem, Glendale, Cave Creek, Peoria, Surprise, El Mirage, Sun City, Carefree, Arrowhead and specializes in airport transportation.

VIP Taxi (also Allstate Taxi above)
www.taxiwithus.com
623-847-8294
Service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 Not in the mood for a taxi? If renting a vehicle is more what you're looking for, see "Tips for affordable summer driving in Phoenix".